Arts, games at Stamford JCC 'Fun Night'

Christina Hennessy, Connecticut Post

Christina Hennessy, Staff Writer

Published 8:35 pm, Tuesday, March 1, 2011

'Dance Dance Revolution,' and a host of other interactive games will be featured during a special kids night at Stamford's Jewish Community Center, March 5. The evening also will feature an arts program for younger children.
Photo: File Photo

There will be no lack of fun for children in grades two to five on Saturday, March 5, when Stamford's Jewish Community Center opens its doors for a kids' "Fun Night."

Aspiring artists and erstwhile gamers will find plenty of activities to occupy their attention during this two-hour event.

"It's really a great way to bring kids from the community together, to meet one another and have fun," said Sarah Evans, director of children's programs.

The activities are open to members and nonmembers, though organizers require advance registration.

For the younger set, staff will be presenting the program "Amazing Art Kids." Participants will learn different techniques, and by evening's end, they should have a completed clay sculpture, a colorful collage and their own version of a famous painting.

Things might get a tad messy, though, so a smock, or old shirt, is suggested.

Other enrichment activities have been covered in the past, such as the culinary arts, Evans said.

Meanwhile, older children will be hot-stepping, climbing and racing their way to high scores as part of the J-Gaming Tournament, which will be in the center's game studio.

The games are fun, but also keep children moving, which is part of the overall goal of helping to maintain fitness, Evans said.

"We have a ropes course and a mini golf course that is used often in the warmer weather," Evans said. "But we wanted to keep them physically fit and active in the winter, as well."

There even will be some prizes. And drinks and snacks will be provided.

The event is part of a new kids' fun night series, which will likely have one more session in the spring before taking a hiatus until the fall.

"It's just a fun night for kids," Evans said, adding that it also can give a break to parents, who might be looking for a fun night themselves.

More fun stuff:

The Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, will present the Diane W. Darst Family Art Appreciation Lecture Sunday, March 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Families and children will learn about portraits by viewing current museum exhibitions, including "Cindy Sherman: Works from Friends of the Bruce Museum" and "Human Connections: Figural Art from the Bruce Museum Collection." Students may create self-portraits with a variety of media. Activities are free with museum admission ($7 adults, $6 seniors and students, free for under 5 and museum members) and suitable for ages 5 and up. Reservations are suggested. 203-869-0376, www.brucemuseum.org.

Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra will give a performance Sunday, March 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wilton High School, 395 Danbury Road, Wilton. The symphony orchestra is a Ridgefield-based organization with 85 musicians from 15 different towns. Admission is $15, and $10 for seniors and under age 12. 203-894-8786, www.wctyo.org.

The Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, will present "Zoo Tots" Tuesday and Wednesday, March 8 to 9, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The program is open to ages 18 months to 3, with an adult. For this session, zoo staff members focus on "Animal March," or how animals move. Registration is required. The fee is $10 for zoo members and one child, and $15 for nonmembers and one child. 203-394-6563. www.beardsleyzoo.org.